Colin's Quest Read Free

outlaws.
    The wagon master had called a meeting the night before they arrived to prepare them for what to expect.
    “I’m advising just the men travel into town, while the women and children stay behind.”
    “Why?” Ewan asked, knowing how much his wife had looked forward to a touch of civilization.
    “It’s a rough town without much law. The last time I came through, there were more saloons and brothels than stores catering to the ladies. ‘Course, it’s up to you.”
    After much discussion, the MacLarens decided to send the four men in for supplies, leaving the older boys in charge of keeping the others safe. The MacGregors and most of the others did the same, except for Dougal’s wife, Robena, who refused to stay behind.
    “Be back before dark,” the wagon master cautioned as the group either rode horses or walked the half-mile into Dobytown.
    “What do you say we walk around camp?” Quinn suggested to Colin, Brodie, and Blaine after the men left. “It’s time we got to know our neighbors.”
    They all knew what Quinn meant by neighbors. The wagons contained a good number of boys and girls around their age. With all the work each day, they’d had little time to visit.
    “You three go. I’ll stay with the women and children.” Colin’s acute sense of responsibility kept him from much of the activities considered normal for most boys.
    “Nae, you’ll do no such thing, Colin MacLaren.”
    He whipped around, surprised to see his mother and twin sisters a few feet away.
    “But Da said we should stay close to you.”
    “Look around. There’s nowhere to go that you can’t see the wagons. It’s barren land as far as you can see. Who’s going to bother us?” Kyla strolled up to him. “Go. Meet some of our neighbors while you have some time.”
    Quinn cuffed him on the back of the head. “Let’s go, Colin, before your ma changes her mind.” He flashed Kyla a brilliant smile, grabbed Colin’s arm, and pulled him along. “What say we start at the back and go forward?”
    The others nodded, following behind Quinn to the last wagon where several of the younger MacGregor children sat, their faces somber.
    “What do we have here?” Quinn jumped inside, the heat oppressive. Seeing their sweat-soaked clothes and faces, he knew none could be older than nine. “Ach, you lads should be outside where there’s a breeze. Come on now.”
    The older ones jumped down while he handed the younger boys to Colin.
    “Where are the lassies?” Colin knew there were at least three.
    The oldest stepped forward, his chin tilted up. “They’re over there.” He pointed toward a group of low bushes fifty yards away. “We didn’t want to go.” His voice held a hint of disgust.
    “And why not?” Colin’s eyes widened when he saw Sarah with the group of girls.
    “She’s a girl.”
    “Ah, I see now. Is she your sister?”
    “Nae. There are only girls in Uncle Dougal’s family. She’s my cousin.”
    Colin turned his gaze back to Sarah. She threw her head back, laughing, then looked at the wagon to see him staring at her. Standing, she brushed leaves and twigs from her skirt as she walked toward him.
    “Hello, Colin MacLaren.” Her smile faltered when he continued to stare without responding. “Are you well?”
    “Colin, the girl asked you a question.” Blaine stood next to him, nudging his arm.
    “Uh…aye, I am quite well. How did you know my name?” He didn’t recall telling her.
    “I asked, of course.” She rolled her eyes as if it were the silliest question she’d ever heard.
    “Come on, Colin. Let’s go,” Brodie coaxed as the other three started toward the front wagon.
    “You go on. I’ll catch up with you,” he called over his shoulder, not taking his gaze from Sarah. “So you asked about me, did you?” He felt inordinately pleased her curiosity about him matched his.
    Shrugging, she lowered her head, catching her lower lip between her teeth.
    He took a step closer, wanting to coax a